This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
For those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond: if you’re behind on retirement, find something aggressive to invest in MODESTLY
Just invest $100 in x; that way, if you lose, it won’t hurt you, but if you win, you’ll wish you invested more.
I rather have the pang of not investing enough than not investing at all.
Thankfully, my mother was ecstatic to jump on board. We’re getting her invested today!
Behind On Retirement? Find Something Aggressive To Invest In MODESTLY
My mother is in her mid-fifties and is an avid and prolific investor. I’m very proud of her. She has several streams of passive income built that will last her a lifetime and has also developed a robust financial portfolio. The most critical thing she has built is multiple passive income streams that will continue in perpetuity.
She’s the one who got me started on the personal finance rabbit hole. My parents introduced me to the ROTH IRA at 14 years old, and we read Robert T. Kiyosaki and other personal finance books at the dinner table as kids. I know…I’m lucky. And I don’t take the gift they gave me lightly.
As I stated in 10 Things You Can Start Today If You’re Financially Off Track, Ben Le Fort recommends you should start seeking more risk-averse investments as you inch up the age brackets. This is true.
I have one caveat, though:
If you can afford to lose, say $20–$100 a month, invest it in something aggressive so that you can increase your rewards in a shorter amount of time (aka make up for lost time).
This does not give you an excuse to 1) Delay investing if you haven’t started or 2) Invest smaller amounts.
People behind on retirement savings need to find something aggressive they can invest minor amounts [so it doesn’t hurt them if they lose it] but receive big rewards if they win. One way to do this is to acquire riskier investments like crypto, real estate, or private equity.
Advice To Older Folks
I’m still a grasshopper, but this is something I’ve learned:
You don’t always need to understand how the technology you invest in works. Of course, do some research and talk to someone who won’t try to harm you who can give you an accurate summary in 3 sentences of what the investment is. But ultimately, just try things out.
Several cryptocurrencies in the top 20 list are still dollars or pennies worth. Treat your crypto investing like a mutual fund; put a few dollars in each to balance the risk.
I always stress, never invest more than you can afford to lose. If that number is $5, then invest $5. If you had invested $5 in bitcoin several years ago, you’d have hundreds of thousands of dollars in the bank off of a few shares.
Small investment. Big rewards.
Yes, stick to more risk-averse investments as you age, but throw a little confetti on your financial portfolio by getting some crypto or private equity (anything reasonable and prudent that is not on the NY stock exchange).
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.